Khang participated in performing the kìm (a traditional Vietnamese stringed instrument) at a series of events recreating Southern Vietnamese wedding ceremonies in high schools.
Born into a family with no artistic tradition, Huynh Van Khang developed a passion for singing from a young age, especially classical music.
Khang's passion didn't stop there, until 2023, when he participated in a traditional Vietnamese folk music performance at Nguyen Trung Truc High School (Rach Gia ward ), and he wanted to challenge himself further.
Among traditional musical instruments, Khang was drawn to the kìm (a type of Vietnamese stringed instrument) – one of the essential instruments in traditional Vietnamese folk music and cải lương (reformed opera) performances.
Playing the kìm (a type of Vietnamese stringed instrument) requires not only talent but also, and especially, a keen ear for music and perseverance. Khang admits that there were times when he just wanted to give up.
Thinking of the hard work of our ancestors in preserving this tradition, the dedicated guidance of our predecessors, and his own pride in traditional music, Khang continued to practice.
Khang is practicing the Vietnamese zither at home.
From getting acquainted with the instrument to gradually "mastering" it, Khang began to share enthusiastically: "Compared to other instruments, the kìm (a type of Vietnamese stringed instrument) only has two strings and eight frets. It looks simple, but it's very difficult to play it with the right character. It's known as the 'gentleman's instrument' because it doesn't require many elaborate techniques, yet each note is distinct and clear. When playing in an ensemble, the kìm's sound is always the highlight, resonating most powerfully, expressing integrity and understated elegance."
Amidst the local folk culture, Khang was fortunate to find a group of traditional folk singers and musicians who were close friends and worked together. Among them was folk artist Thai Thanh Hung, advisor to the traditional folk singing club in Nam Cao neighborhood, Rach Gia ward.
Mr. Hung has taught Khang how to play the instrument and accompanied him throughout this time. “This art form of traditional Vietnamese music is very special, unique to Vietnam. Seeing young people like Khang with the spirit to learn and explore ancient musical instruments is proof of their connection to their roots, contributing to the preservation of this art form for generations to come,” Mr. Hung shared.
Huynh Van Khang is currently a student majoring in Mathematics Education at Kien Giang University. Despite balancing his studies with pursuing his passion, Khang actively participates in the local traditional music club under the guidance of his teacher, Mr. Hung, and other dedicated artists.
Driven by a desire to bring traditional musical instruments closer to the public, especially young people, Khang has actively participated in prominent local cultural events. Most recently, he has been involved in a series of events recreating traditional Southern Vietnamese weddings at various schools and numerous other folk instrument exchange events. This young man is also ambitious, hoping to experiment with combining performances with modern music genres, demonstrating the enduring vitality of traditional instruments.
Today, the diversity of modern music genres and instruments has gradually created a gap between the younger generation and traditional music. However, it cannot be denied that traditional musical instruments always possess inherent spiritual value, evoking national spirit and love for the homeland, helping artists connect with their roots and nurture a healthier spiritual life.
| The đàn kìm, also known as the “moon lute” or “moon zither,” is so named because its round shape resembles the moon. Its clear, elegant sound allows the musician to easily express emotions and ideas through solo performances, ensemble playing, or accompaniment. The đàn kìm is a familiar sight in the traditional Vietnamese orchestras and cải lương (reformed opera) ensembles throughout the southern provinces of Vietnam. |
Text and photos: KIEU TRANG
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nguoi-tre-voi-niem-dam-me-dan-kim-a465106.html
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